Irvington Public Hearing on 2013-14 Budget

Village services and staffing levels would remain the same after years of cuts under the proposed 2013-14 Irvington budget, at a 2.25 percent tax rate increase over last year’s fiscal blueprint.

“It has not been an easy task with increase costs in pension, health insurance, workers’ compensation and union obligations,” said Mayor Brian Smith in his budget summary.

The tentative budget represents a tax rate increase of $281.97 per thousand dollars of assessed value, an increase of $6.21. Homeowners with an assessed valuation of $20,000 would see their tax bills go up $124.20.

The public can express their opinions and suggestions for the budget at a public hearing on Monday, April 1 at 7 p.m. at village hall, 85 Main St.

Village Administrator Larry Schopfer will also accept written comments by mail at 85 Main St. Irvington, NY 10533 or via email lschopfer@irvingtonny.gov.

The Village has managed to stay within the state mandated 2 percent tax cap for the second year in row. According to the tax cap formula, which includes exemptions, the village’s levy would be at 1.45 percent by $176,059. The Village’s assessed valuation, which should see a .10 percent up tick after five years of decreases, won’t be finalized until May.

“The vigilant review of operations, cost saving opportunities and revenue maximization is the new standard operating procedure,” said Smith. “This has afforded us the ability to present a budget that meets the mandated increase, while doing the same with often less resources.”

Budget expenses have gone up by $475,644 or 3.08 percent for 2013-14. Some increase include:

• $186,000 in retirement contributions 
• $220,000 in contractual union increases
• $35,000 in the department of public works' budget for road improvements
• $50,000 for tax certioraris (property tax reassessments and refunds)
• $14,000 for the Irvington Public Library

About $75,000 for the justice court, building department, recreation department and O'Hara Nature Center wil be offest by increase revenue projections, while a $89,000 reduction in debt services and an additional $15,000 reduction across the board are helping to offset expenses.

Click here to read the full budget message and for a copy of the budget or click on the PDF. 

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